Director of Software Development Jobs

Explore Director of Software Development opportunities on Ladders, where professionals can find vetted jobs paying $100,000 or more. These senior technology leaders guide software engineering teams, shape development strategy, and deliver reliable products and platforms aligned with business goals.

What Does a Director of Software Development Do?

Directors of Software Development oversee the people, processes, and technical plans behind software delivery. They partner with executives, product leaders, and engineering teams to set priorities, manage resources, improve development practices, and ensure projects meet requirements for quality, security, and performance. Depending on the organization, the role may include managing multiple teams, platforms, or product areas.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek a strong background in software engineering and experience leading engineering managers or large development teams. Valuable strengths include technical judgment, strategic planning, budgeting, talent development, cross-functional communication, and familiarity with modern development methods, cloud platforms, architecture, and software delivery practices. Requirements vary by company, industry, and scope of responsibility.

Career Outlook and Opportunities

Director-level software development roles are available across technology companies and in sectors such as finance, healthcare, retail, and professional services. The position can lead to broader technology leadership, including vice president of engineering, chief technology officer, or other executive roles. Browse current listings to compare responsibilities, industries, and compensation.

Find Director of Software Development Jobs on Ladders

Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Search Director of Software Development jobs to discover leadership positions that match your experience, preferred industry, and career goals.

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$120K - $198K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of cloud application development. As a technical leader, you'll design and implement innovative solutions, mentor developers, and drive project success while coll...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$180K - $235K *

Join a team that's dedicated to building high-performance game software and systems. Leverage your expertise in C++ and game development to create engaging experiences while collaborating with designe...

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$116K - $194K *

Engineer cloud-based data platforms that drive AI insights for applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable, scalable, and high-quality data management, leading design disc...

San Diego, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$233K - $330K *

Accelerate product strategy and execution in a leadership role, driving initiatives for Engineering Excellence and Operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the Developer Experien...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$220K - $250K *

Develop and maintain embedded Linux platforms ensuring real-time video reliability. Collaborate across teams to shape on-device software architectures and optimize the end-to-end software lifecycle fo...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$154K - $247K *

Engineer innovative software solutions by leading a skilled team in developing high-reliability systems for uncrewed technologies. Drive project success through mentorship, collaboration, and adherenc...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$258K - $376K *

Join as the inaugural engineering manager to shape and lead the Growth Platform. Collaborate across teams, drive impact through innovative capabilities, and guide architectural decisions while fosteri...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$173K - $290K *

Champion innovation in product development platforms, driving strategy and execution for AI-first tools that enhance collaboration and efficiency across teams. Lead the evolution of platforms, ensurin...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$125K - $160K *

Champion the integration of software and firmware in UAVs, driving cross-functional collaboration and technical milestones. Leverage your engineering expertise to ensure seamless delivery and validati...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$71K - $117K *

Drive quality assurance excellence by developing automated tests for mission-critical financial applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software reliability and performance wh...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$130K - $155K *

Engage with customers to transform their technical needs into innovative solutions. Collaborate across teams to drive product success in dynamic environments, ensuring customer satisfaction and foster...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$123K - $164K *

Join a dynamic team to develop innovative embedded software solutions, leveraging your expertise in C/C++ and real-time systems. Collaborate across teams while managing projects independently, contrib...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $235K *

Lead the charge in managing client-facing SaaS products on AWS, ensuring operational excellence, security compliance, and performance optimization while overseeing a dedicated team. Drive innovation a...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $235K *

Elevate operational excellence by leading end-to-end management of client-facing AWS SaaS products, ensuring security, compliance, and optimization while directly engaging in architecture and support...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $235K *

Drive product excellence by owning the lifecycle and security of high-performance client SaaS platforms hosted on AWS. Lead a dedicated team to optimize operations, ensure compliance, and deliver seam...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $235K *

Join a team that's committed to optimizing and securing our AWS-hosted SaaS platforms, ensuring compliance and performance. Take on hands-on leadership in architecture, operations, and product reliabi...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $235K *

Drive the management, operation, and security of client-facing SaaS products hosted on AWS. Be a hands-on leader, ensuring platform performance, compliance, and continuous product improvement while su...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $120K *

Elevate your career by transitioning into AI engineering with our intensive training program. Join a fast-growing field, work with top clients, and earn competitive salaries while developing your skil...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Elevate our financial systems by developing scalable software solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support accurate payment processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver r...

Calgary, ABIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$175K - $230K *

Help us shape the future by developing onboard systems for energy-producing devices. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance data reliability and optimize software for marine environments, ensuring...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$85K - $100K *

Manage diverse projects from inception to completion, ensuring client satisfaction and operational excellence while balancing budgets, schedules, and team dynamics in fast-paced environments...

Calgary, ABIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Empower growth as an SDR Manager, leading a high-impact team to optimize pipeline generation, while setting strategies and raising sales development benchmarks in a dynamic B2B SaaS environment focuse...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $200K *

Join a dynamic team to build scalable web applications and APIs, leveraging modern technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create innovative solutions that enhance business workflows...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$180K - $244K *

Transform enterprise performance management by leading a diverse team, driving strategic alignment, and delivering high-quality outcomes across operations and technology. Influence key stakeholders to...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$180K - $244K *

Join a dynamic team to drive strategic data initiatives, enhance performance management, and foster cross-functional collaboration. Lead a diverse group while influencing business outcomes and deliver...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Software Development do?question toggle

    A Director of Software Development leads software engineering teams and delivery, sets development priorities, allocates resources, and works with business and product leaders to deliver secure, reliable software.

  • What qualifications are commonly required for Director of Software Development jobs?question toggle

    Employers typically look for substantial software engineering experience, a record of leading teams, and strengths in strategy, communication, planning, and delivery. Specific technical and education requirements vary by employer.

  • How much do Director of Software Development jobs pay?question toggle

    Compensation varies based on factors such as employer, location, industry, and role scope. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; review each listing for its compensation details.

  • Where can a Director of Software Development work?question toggle

    These leaders work across technology companies and many other industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, and professional services.

  • What roles can follow a Director of Software Development position?question toggle

    Potential next steps include vice president of engineering, senior technology leadership, or chief technology officer roles, depending on experience and organizational structure.